“I’m having an excellent training camp,” said Fortuna. “We’re working hard and figuring out how to break down my opponent. Douglas is a prospect who has looked pretty good coming up. He wants to get to where I’ve been. He might be looking past me. I think that his style (fits) my style perfectly. I’m going to have openings and I just need to take advantage.”

Fortuna has his sights set on another world title since suffering his first defeat against Stephen Smith’s future rival, Jason Sosa, in the early part of summer.

After scoring a knockdown in the middle rounds, and taking a comfortable lead in the fight, Fortuna was hurt by a vicious left-hand counter by Sosa. He made it to this feet but the official stopped the fight less than six minutes from the final bell.

“I have learned a lot of things since I lost,” reflected Fortuna. “My defense and my confidence in myself has improved. If I can beat a guy who is 22-0 and make it two wins over previously unbeaten fighters, then I think I’m right back in contention. He’s still considered a prospect so I think whoever wins will be a contender at the top of the division.”

The Dominican southpaw’s power and punch output have historically compensated for a perceived lack of discipline in the ring, especially on defense. Fortuna is a flashy fighter who takes lots of risks, fighting for extended periods with his arms below his waist, like his former stablemate Sergio Martinez.

Fortuna’s unconventional style is a perennial wild card. His future opponent, Douglas, asserts that he has been fine-tuning aspects of his game that will help exploit Fortuna’s weaknesses come fight night.

“He moves well,” said Douglas. I can’t let myself get off-balanced trying to chase him. He’s awkward but I know that my jab will neutralize his strengths.”

Douglas hails from the northeastern state of Delaware and has spent the bulk of his fighting career competing across the river against Philadelphia’s finest.

On November 12th, he will finally get a chance to test his mettle against one of the best in the division

“In the amateurs, I was one of the only guys from Delaware,” said Douglas. “I had a lot of obstacles. I’ve been fighting against Philly’s best fighters for years. Philadelphia is where I achieved my first goals in the sport and it will always be special to me to fight in Philly.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life and I believe I am the hungrier fighter. He doesn’t want it as badly as I do. I’ve been waiting in the shadows for a long time. I have all the skills necessary to get the job done.”